Ans.2 In the first chapter of the novel, Kite runner, we understand that Hassan and Ali are
servants of Amir and Baba. But there is a huge similarity between them and that is Amir and
Hassan are fed by the same nurse as their mother died soon after they were born. So we
understand that they are brothers and have a relationship but despite that Hassan is still a
servant to them. And servants and masters have their own statuses. Another main difference
that can be seen between Hassan and Ali and Amir and baba’s relationship is that the former
are Shia and latter are Sunni. And in Afghanistan the Shias were considered a lower class. So
Amir has a upper hand on Hassan and same with Ali and Baba. Amir being richer than
Hassan, is literate and tries to dominate Hassan but his literacy skills. But Hassan despite not
being able to have proper education, has a good IQ and can be seen solving riddles and
helping Amir in solving his problems. Amir always wanted to get Baba’s attention and did
not consider Hassan as his friend as said in this quote “I remember the day before the
Orphanage opened, Baba took me to Ghargha Lake, a few miles north of Kabul. He
asked me to fetch Hassan too, but I lied and told him Hassan had the runs. I wanted
Baba all to myself” (Khaled, Ch:3)
Amir does get jealous of Hassan being able to do that. A big part of the novel also portrays a
weird and incomplete and unlovable connection between Amir and Baba despite having all
the luxuries. Baba does not support or understand his son, Amir. However, Hassan and Ali
being a lower class with basic income and minimal style of living, have a very strong bond. A
father and son bond can be seen in the case of Hassan and Ali and that’s what Amir is jealous
off. Amir inflicts small cruelties on Hassan because he’s not strong and not man enough as
his dad is also seen saying that he does not stand up for himself and will be a weak
adult. Amir does have a connection with Hassan but he does not display that in public. A big
reason for that is the difference between Shias and Sunnis and Shias being a lower class. So
friend of Amir, Asif, is seen mocking Amir for supporting Hassan and then Amir replies that
he is not his friend. “I was afraid of getting hurt. That’s what I told myself as I turned
my back to the alley, to Hassan” (Khaled, 63 pdf”)
Overall it is seen that Hassan likes Amir with his heart, publicly and privately but Amir
doesn’t do that. In kite fighting competition, Amir wins with the help and guidance of Hassan
but after that when Assef and other boys are seen abusing Hassan, Amir hides and does not
come for his rescue. Amir says “in the end I ran. I ran because I was a coward.” I had guessed
the relationship between them because of their different ethnicity and one being higher class
than other. So I could understand that Amir and Hassan would have differences in their
relationship. And also one being a Master and other being a servant could also prove the
difference between their relationship.